THE OHIO VALLEY-GREAT LAKES ETHNOHISTORY ARCHIVES: THE MIAMI COLLECTION
It is noted that the following work from the Miami Archives should be read and considered within the historical context in which it was composed and printed. The opinions expressed and the language used do not reflect the opinions or standards of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, but are, rather, indicative of thought in that historical moment during which the document was published.

Croghan to Major Gates

(Fort Pitt, May 20, 1760)

Croghan, George in: Aspinwall Papers,
Coll. of the Mass. Hist. Soc.,
vol. IX, 4th series,
pp. 247-249.

pp. 247, 248, 249.

(page 247)

GEORGE CROGHAN TO MAJOR GATES.

FORT PITT, May the 20^th 1760.

SIR,

Yesterday I was favoured with yours of the 7^th instant by Brigadier General Monckton's orders; and you may assure the General I will continue to promote the good of his Majesty's Indian Interest as far as in my power and with as much frugality as the service will admit of. As I was at a loss to know who commanded this way the ensuing campaign, I made bold to write you a few days ago, which I hope you have received by this time. By that you will see the situation I was left in by General Stanwix, just at a time when the Indians of different Nations were collecting together here to hold a general Conference, a copy of which you must have seen, as Major Tullikan took it down with him for the General's perusal. All things are quiet here and likely to remain so in my opinion, unless some unforeseen accident happen. I have fitted out above one hundred Indian Warriors against the Cherokees with the approbation of the Commanding officer here; tho' it is attended with expence yet I flatter myself my conduct will (page 248) meet with the General's approbation, as I am of opinion it will answer two good ends at this juncture, first it is employing all those Western Nations against their ancient and natural enemys the Cherokees who at present threaten the Destruction of the Frontiers of the Southern British Colonies. And secondly it is taking off that great Burthen of maintaining so many Indians as we have been hitherto obliged to do. And if those nations be properly encouraged to carry on the War against the Southern Indians, all the young men of every nation will be fully employed that way. Our communication will be safe here from that cursed practice of stealing horses, which is all we have to fear in my opinion. It is true we may be alarmed by flying reports which will quicken us and forward the Works here, but do no hurt unless hastening the Troops up, for this Country tho' it is fertile, does not produce Loadstone as Philadelphia does.

You see by the last Conferences that some Traders are gone into the Indian Country to Renew their Acquaintance with the Indians, and more applied for, it is a step that must be taken some time, and in my opinion the sooner the better, as it will remove all Jealousies from the Indians minds, and convince them we do not mean to revenge their past Misconduct towards us.

The Indians who come here to trade frequently bring in Prisoners & deliver up, to whom I am obliged to make presents of Rum, as General Stanwix made it a custom. I have not been able to break through it as yet tho' it is very expensive. As the General Conference for the Spring is over, I expect no more Meetings with the Indians till late in the Fall, unless his Majestys service should oblige us to call them together. The Indians of all Nations are gone home well satisfied, and quite easy in their minds to all appearances, as well as I can judge.

There are numbers of the Six Nation Indians and Deleways settling and Planting both up and down the River, (page 249) and Numbers of all Nations Talk of Removing and settling on this side of the Lakes, this Fall, and some have planted this spring on this side of the Lakes and determined to abandon the French Interest.

Inclosed I send you a List of such Goods as are Necessary for the Indian service this Campaign, as to the Quantity it is impossible for me to judge at present what may be wanting & if the Indians this way are to be employed, in the War either against the Southward Indians or elsewhere it is full time I knew it.

Pray make my Dutifull Compliments to General Monckton and acquaint him that I have sent Indian spies to Fort D'Troit, and Captain Montour through the Indian Countrys to sound the Indians in case an Expedition should be carried on against D'Troit, and to press the delivery of all our Prisoners immediately. On their return I will report to him what Intelligence they bring, or if any thing worthy his Notice come within my knowledge before, I will constantly Report every thing relative to my Department as he has ordered

I am,
	Sir,
	With great Regard
	Your most obedient humble Servant
	GEO: CROGHAN.

To HORATIO GATES Esquire
Major of Brigade.

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